Chronos Vocal Ensemble’s singers are looking forward to presenting a new work by Nicholas Ryan KellyZoo Nocturnes – at their upcoming concert Symbiosis on June 4 at McDougall United Church in Edmonton.

Chronos and Kelly have a long history together: Nick was the winner of Chronos’ first Composition Competition in 2017 with the work Little Bells

Nicholas has since collaborated with the ensemble on multiple occasions, most recently with the commission of You Speak Violets, premiered in 2021 and included in Chronos’ newest album, RESOLVE.

Symbiosis on Sunday June 4 will feature his latest work: Zoo Nocturnes. Co-commissioned with the Vancouver Cantata Singers who performed them in concert in February with Symbiosis being the ‘Co-Premiere’ here in Edmonton. 

Zoo Nocturnes presents 3 texts of poetry by Shannon Bramer of Hamilton, ON drawn from her book Climbing Shadows, the same source that inspired You Speak Violets.

Playful and profound, Dreaming Upside Down, Climbing Shadows, and Owl Secrets form the Zoo Nocturnes collection

Penticton-based Kelly will travel to Edmonton for the performance weekend to work with the choir and attend the premiere. 

If you are interested in other music by Kelly, his A Flame In The Embers appears on Chronos’ 2018 recording Fresh: New Music from Canada.

Tickets and more info about Symbiosis